Magnetic attachment mechanism with safety latch for a desktop display

ABSTRACT

This application relates to a magnetic attachment mechanism attached to a stand for a display unit. The display unit includes a housing enclosing a display panel. The housing has a recess formed on a rear surface of the housing to accept the magnetic attachment mechanism. The magnetic attachment mechanism includes a magnetic element that is magnetically coupled to a corresponding magnetic element in the housing of the desktop display device when the magnetic attachment mechanism is inserted into the recess. The magnetic attachment mechanism also includes a latch mechanism that locks the display unit to the stand when the latch mechanism is engaged with a surface feature of the recess. The latch mechanism can be disengaged to allow for mobility of the display unit as separated from the stand.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.62/728,592, filed 7 Sep. 2018, and entitled “MAGNETIC ATTACHMENTMECHANISM WITH SAFETY LATCH FOR A DESKTOP DISPLAY,” the entiredisclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD

The described embodiments relate generally to attachment mechanisms.More particularly, the present embodiments relate to a magneticattachment mechanism with a safety latch for attaching a desktop displayto a stand.

BACKGROUND

Desktop display devices may have display areas measuring 20 or moreinches along a diagonal. For example, many desktop monitors include adisplay area measuring 27 inches along a diagonal, but these monitorsare conventionally designed to be left on a desktop and physicallyconnected to a power outlet and/or desktop computer or docking station.Optionally, the desktop monitor can be connected to a video source suchas a set top box or a laptop computer with an HDMI (High-DefinitionMultimedia Interface) output.

However, in some instances, it is preferable that these monitors to bemore mobile such that the monitor can be detached from the stand andtaken on the go. For example, those in industries including in film,advertising, or fashion may prefer to take a large format display tolocations to provide enriched presentations that can be viewed by alarge number of people. Conventionally, however, these people haverelied on small format devices such as a tablet computer.

SUMMARY

This paper describes various embodiments that relate to a magneticattachment mechanism attached to a stand for a display unit. The displayunit includes a housing enclosing a display panel. The housing has arecess formed on a rear surface of the housing to accept the magneticattachment mechanism. The magnetic attachment mechanism includes amagnetic element that is magnetically coupled to a correspondingmagnetic element in the housing of the desktop display device when themagnetic attachment mechanism is inserted into the recess. The magneticattachment mechanism also includes a latch mechanism that locks thedisplay unit to the stand when the latch mechanism is engaged with asurface feature of the recess. The latch mechanism can be disengaged toallow for mobility of the display unit as separated from the stand.

In some embodiments, a magnetic attachment mechanism is described thatsecures a display unit to a stand. The magnetic attachment mechanismincludes a housing having a size and a shape corresponding to a recessformed in the display unit. A magnetic element is attached to thehousing. When the magnetic attachment mechanism is inserted in therecess, the magnetic element is magnetically coupled with, via anattractive force, a corresponding magnetic element in the display unitpositioned proximate the recess. A latch mechanism is included in themagnetic attachment mechanism and configured to automatically engagewith a surface feature formed in the recess when the magnetic attachmentmechanism is inserted into the recess. An actuating mechanism isincluded in the magnetic attachment mechanism and configured to lock thelatch mechanism in an extended state that prevents the magneticattachment mechanism from being extracted from the recess.

In some embodiments, the magnetic element and the corresponding magneticelement are permanent magnets. The permanent magnets may include aneodymium alloy.

In some embodiments, a shape of the housing is substantiallycylindrical. In other embodiments, the shape of the housing can berectangular, triangular, or any other regular or irregular shape thatconforms with the shape of the recess.

In some embodiments, the latch mechanism includes a movable componentthat can be positioned between a first position in the extended stateand a second position in a retracted state. The movable component can bebiased towards the first position in the extended state by a biasingmechanism. The biasing mechanism can include a spring compressed betweena surface of the movable component and a protrusion of a component ofthe housing. The surface feature can include a protrusion at an entranceof the recess that forms a slot in a radial surface of the recess. Themovable component, when in the first position while the magneticattachment mechanism is inserted in the recess, extends into the slot.

In some embodiments, the actuating mechanism is manually operated. Inother embodiments, the actuating mechanism is operated via an electricalactuator such as a motor. The actuating mechanism can be coupled to amotor configured to rotate the actuating mechanism between the firstposition and the second position. The actuating mechanism can includeslots for accepting a protrusion of movable components of the latchmechanism. The protrusion assist in moving the movable componentsbetween the extended state and the retracted state.

In some embodiments, a stand is described for a display unit thatincludes a housing with a recess formed therein. The stand includes aframe configured to be supported by a surface and a magnetic attachmentmechanism coupled to the frame and configured to be inserted into therecess formed in the housing of the display unit. The magneticattachment mechanism may include a first structural component that issecured to a structural member of the frame. The magnetic attachmentmechanism may also a second structural component secured to the firststructural component. The magnetic attachment mechanism may also includea permanent magnet disposed between the first structural component andthe second structural component. The magnetic attachment mechanism mayalso include a latch mechanism disposed between the first structuralcomponent and the second structural component. The magnetic attachmentmechanism may also include a cam mechanism movable between the firstposition and the second position. The latch mechanism may include amovable component biased by a spring to extend the movable componentbeyond an edge of the first structural component.

In some embodiments, the movable component of the latch mechanism islocked in an extended position when the cam mechanism is in the firstposition. The movable component of the latch mechanism is free to movebetween the extended position (or extended state) and the retractedposition (or retracted state) when the cam mechanism is in the secondposition.

In some embodiments, the display unit includes a display area measuringat least twenty inches along a diagonal. The display unit can bedesigned to sit on a flat surface of a desktop when coupled to the frameof the stand. In some embodiments, the magnetic attachment mechanismfurther includes a set of contacts that electrically couple a signal ora power supply from the stand to the display unit.

In some embodiments, a modular display system is described to enablemobility of large format display devices. The modular display systemincludes a display unit having a housing and a panel disposed in thehousing. The housing includes a recess configured to mate with a standfor the display unit. The modular display system includes a magneticattachment mechanism associated with the recess and attached to thestand. The magnetic attachment mechanism includes a magnet and a latchmechanism that engages with a surface feature in the recess when themagnetic attachment mechanism is inserted into the recess.

In some embodiments, the magnet is a neodymium magnet. In someembodiments, the display unit includes a second magnet disposed in thehousing proximate the recess. The second magnet can be characterized bya magnetic dipole oriented relative a magnetic dipole of the magnet.When the magnetic attachment mechanism is inserted in the recess, anattractive force is generated between the second magnet and the magnet.

In some embodiments, the latch mechanism includes a movable componenthaving a protrusion. The protrusion is configured to fit in a slot of anactuating mechanism movable between a first position and a secondposition. The actuating mechanism, when in the first position, operatesto lock the movable component in an extended position.

In some embodiments, the magnetic attachment mechanism is cylindricaland the latch mechanism includes at least two movable components spacedaround a perimeter of the magnetic attachment mechanism.

Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent fromthe following detailed description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, theprinciples of the described embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detaileddescription in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein likereference numerals designate like structural elements.

FIG. 1 illustrates a desktop display device, in accordance with theprior art.

FIG. 2 illustrates a modular display system that enables the displayunit to be detached from a stand, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of the magnetic attachment mechanism, inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded view of the magnetic attachmentmechanism, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 5A illustrates an extended state of the latch mechanism, inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 5B illustrates a retracted state of the latch mechanism, inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate a cross section of the magnetic attachmentmechanism as inserted into the recess, in accordance with someembodiments.

FIG. 7 illustrates a biasing mechanism of the latch mechanism, inaccordance with some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Representative applications of methods and apparatus according to thepresent application are described in this section. These examples arebeing provided solely to add context and aid in the understanding of thedescribed embodiments. It will thus be apparent to one skilled in theart that the described embodiments may be practiced without some or allof these specific details. In other instances, well known process stepshave not been described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarilyobscuring the described embodiments. Other applications are possible,such that the following examples should not be taken as limiting.

In the following detailed description, references are made to theaccompanying drawings, which form a part of the description and in whichare shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in accordancewith the described embodiments. Although these embodiments are describedin sufficient detail to enable one skilled in the art to practice thedescribed embodiments, it is understood that these examples are notlimiting; such that other embodiments may be used, and changes may bemade without departing from the spirit and scope of the describedembodiments.

A modular desktop display is disclosed herein that enables a displayunit of the desktop display to be easily detached from a stand, therebyallowing the display unit more mobility than conventional display unitsthat are securely (and in some cases, permanently) fastened to the standvia mechanical fasteners such as screws. The display unit may include ahousing and a recess formed in the housing. The shape of the recessenables a magnetic attachment mechanism, secured to a stand, to beinserted into the recess. The magnetic attachment mechanism can includea magnetic element that interacts with a corresponding magnetic elementincluded in the display unit. The corresponding magnetic element may bepositioned along a surface defined by the recess and/or in closeproximity to the recess. An attractive force between the magneticelements can hold the display unit to the magnetic attachment mechanismas well as aid a person in locating the display unit relative to thestand when attaching the display unit to the magnetic attachmentmechanism.

In some embodiments, the magnetic attachment mechanism includes a latchmechanism that locks the magnetic attachment mechanism in the recesswhen the magnetic attachment mechanism is inserted into the recess. Thelatch mechanism engages with a surface feature of the recess. The latchmechanism can be disengaged via operation of an actuating mechanism,such as a component with slots formed therein that force movablecomponents of the latch mechanism to retract into a housing of themagnetic attachment mechanism.

These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to FIGS.1-7; however, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that thedetailed description given herein with respect to these figures is forexplanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting.

FIG. 1 illustrates a desktop display device 100, in accordance with theprior art. As depicted in FIG. 1, the desktop display device 100includes a display unit 110 attached to a stand 120. The stand 120 isdesigned to support the weight of the display unit 110 on a flat surfacesuch as a desktop. The display unit 110 can include a liquid crystaldisplay (LCD) panel disposed in a frame. The display unit 110 can beplaced over a backlight and can display text and images on a frontsurface (of the display unit 110). In some embodiments, the display unit110 is overlaid by a glass substrate that can include a mask surroundingthe visible area of the display unit 110. In other embodiments, thedisplay unit 110 can be an organic light emitting diode (OLED) panel orthe like instead of the LCD panel and backlight.

The desktop display device 100 also includes components for receivingvideo signals from a computing device (e.g., desktop computer, laptopcomputer, etc.) attached thereto. The video signals are processed by thecomponents in order to control the display unit 110 to present video onthe surface of the desktop display device 100. The video signals can bereceived from the computing device via a wired (e.g., High DefinitionMultimedia Interface—HDMI; DisplayPort—DP; etc.) or wirelesscommunication channel. The desktop display device 100 can also include apower cable to connect the electronic components in the desktop displaydevice 100 with an external power supply.

The desktop display device 100 is typically designed to be stationaryand immobile. In other words, the desktop display device 100 remains ona desktop, typically plugged into a wall outlet that provides 120 VACpower (or equivalent), and includes a cable to attach to a port of aconnected computing device. The desktop display device 100 is typicallylarge and relatively heavy. For example, a diagonal measurement of adisplay area of the desktop display device 100 typically measuresbetween 20 and 27 inches. In some cases, the display area can measure upto 40 inches or greater, typically when the desktop display device 100is also utilized as a television display. Consequently, the display unit110 is typically securely attached to the stand 120 with screws or othermechanical fasteners, which makes it difficult to detach the displayunit 110 from the stand 120.

FIG. 2 illustrates a modular display system 200 that enables a displayunit 210 to be detached from a stand 220, in accordance with someembodiments. A rear surface of a housing 212 of the display unit 210 isshown in FIG. 2. A recess 214 is formed in the rear surface of thehousing 212. The recess 214 has a size and shape that conforms to amagnetic attachment mechanism 230 coupled to the stand 220. In someembodiments, the shape of the recess 214 is circular to conform to acylindrical shape of the magnetic attachment mechanism 230. In otherembodiments, the shape of the recess 214 is rectangular, triangular, anirregular closed curve, or any other shape to conform to across-sectional shape of the magnetic attachment mechanism 230.

A magnetic element 216 is disposed within an internal volume defined bythe housing 212 of the display unit 210, and a magnetic element 234 isincluded in the magnetic attachment mechanism 230. The magnetic element234 may be referred to as a corresponding magnetic element that isdesigned to magnetically couple with the magnetic element 216. In someembodiments, the magnetic element 216 and the magnetic element 234 arepermanent magnets formed of a neodymium alloy (e.g., NdFeB), sometimesreferred to as neodymium magnets. When the display unit 210 is broughtin proximity of the magnetic attachment mechanism 230, an attractiveforce between the magnetic element 216 and the magnetic element 234 canbe felt by a person holding the display unit 210 such that the magneticfields generated by the magnetic elements provide a “homing function”that aids a person in aligning the magnetic attachment mechanism 230with the recess 214.

The magnetic attachment mechanism 230 is inserted into the recess 214 asthe attractive force aids in guiding the magnetic attachment mechanism230 towards the offset surface of the recess 214. The attractive forcecan be sufficient to hold the display unit 210 against the magneticattachment mechanism 230. In other words, a strength of the magneticfields generated by the magnetic elements can be sufficient to providean attractive force that holds the display unit 210 against the magneticattachment mechanism 230.

In some embodiments, the magnetic attachment mechanism 230 includes alatch mechanism 232 that automatically locks the display unit 210 to themagnetic attachment mechanism 230 when the magnetic attachment mechanism230 is fully inserted into the recess 214. The latch mechanism 232,which can also be referred to as a safety latching mechanism, preventsaccidental disengagement of the magnetic attachment mechanism 230 withthe display unit 210. The latch mechanism 232 can include movablecomponents that interface with a surface feature of the recess 214 tolock the magnetic attachment mechanism 230 in the recess 214, therebypreventing the magnetic attachment mechanism 230 from being extractedfrom the recess 214 without disengaging the latch mechanism 232. Thelatch mechanism 232 can be manually operated by a person intending todisengage the magnetic attachment mechanism 230.

Alternatively, the magnetic attachment mechanism 230 can include anactuator configured to operate the latch mechanism 232. The actuator canbe controlled by a user interface element (e.g., a button or switch) onthe stand 220 or controlled via a signal from the display unit 210. Thesignal can be transmitted via a wireless or wired communication channelestablished with the display unit 210. In some embodiments, the displayunit 210 communicates with the magnetic attachment mechanism 230 via awireless communication channel, such as a communication channelestablished according to a Bluetooth® protocol or other Near FieldCommunication (NFC) protocol, as non-limiting examples. In otherembodiments, a wired communication channel can be established via one ormore contacts 218 disposed on a surface of the recess 214. The one ormore contacts 218 can interface with corresponding contacts 236 disposedon a surface of the magnetic attachment mechanism 230. In someembodiments, the corresponding contacts 236 disposed on the surface ofthe magnetic attachment mechanism 230 corresponding couple a signal or apower supply from the stand 220 to the display unit 210. For example,the corresponding contacts 236 can provide a power supply, connectedfrom the stand 220 to a wall outlet, to the display unit 210 to avoidthe need to run a separate cable from the display unit 210 to the walloutlet.

The stand 220 can include a number of structural components that providea base for supporting the display unit 210. For example, the stand 220may include a structural component 221 a that is carried by a structuralcomponent 221 b and a structural component 221 c. The structuralcomponents can be fixed, as shown in FIG. 2, or adjustable to change aposition of the display unit 210 relative a desktop surface. It will beappreciated that the stand 220 could also be designed to be mounted to awall instead of being configured to be supported on a desktop surface.In some embodiments, the structural components of the stand 220 can beomitted entirely where the magnetic attachment mechanism 230 includesfeatures for mounting the magnetic attachment mechanism 230 directly toa corresponding surface, such as a wall.

The magnetic attachment mechanism 230 enables the display unit 210 to beeasily detached from the stand 220 so that a person can transport thedisplay unit 210 to various locations. In other words, the magneticattachment mechanism 230 changes a traditionally immobile desktopdisplay device into a mobile display unit that can be taken with aperson wherever they would like to use the display unit 210.

It will be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the magneticattachment mechanism 230 can be attached directly to a rear surface ofthe housing 212 of the display unit 210 and the stand 220 can bedesigned to include a recess that corresponds to the recess 214.However, the configuration shown in FIG. 2 may be advantageous insituations in which a rear surface of the housing 212 of the displayunit 210 is likely to be set on a flat surface to avoid anythingprotruding from the rear surface of the housing 212.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the magnetic attachment mechanism 230, inaccordance with some embodiments. As depicted in FIG. 3, the magneticattachment mechanism 230 includes a housing 310, or attachment mechanismhousing, that is generally cylindrical. Also, the magnetic attachmentmechanism 230 includes a central axis that is normal to the sheet. Themagnetic element 234 is attached to the housing 310. In someembodiments, the magnetic element 234 is a cylindrical permanent magnethaving a magnetic dipole oriented substantially parallel to or collinearwith the central axis of the housing 310.

The latch mechanism 232 can include multiple components movable relativeto the housing 310. The components can extend from or retract into thehousing 310 in a radial direction normal to the central axis of thehousing 310. As shown, the latch mechanism 232 includes three movablecomponents. In other embodiments, the latch mechanism 232 can includeany number of movable components, including as few as one movablecomponent.

In some embodiments, the latch mechanism 232 is biased in the extendedor the retracted position. For example, the movable components can beretained within a slot in the housing 310 and biased in one direction byone or more springs. For example, the movable components can be biasedin the extended position (as shown) such that the movable componentsautomatically engage a surface feature in the recess 214.

In some embodiments, the latch mechanism 232 is operable via anactuating mechanism 320. As depicted in FIG. 3, the actuating mechanism320 includes slots that engage with a respective protrusion attached toeach of the movable components. The actuating mechanism 320 rotates,thereby forcing the protrusions to move in the slots. For example, aslot 322 is engaged with a protrusion 324. The remaining slots andprotrusion may include a similar relationship as shown with the slot andthe protrusion 324. The slots are angled or otherwise configured toforce the protrusions to move in a radial direction relative to thehousing 310, which forces the movable components to retract into orextend from the housing 310. The actuating mechanism 320 can be manuallyoperated such as via a piece of the actuating mechanism 320 that extendsthrough a slot on an exterior of the housing 310 or can be electricallyoperated via an actuator, such as a DC motor and worm gear.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the magnetic attachment mechanism 230, inaccordance with some embodiments. The housing 310 (shown in FIG. 3) ofthe magnetic attachment mechanism 230 can include a rear housingcomponent 410 attached to a front housing component 420. In someembodiments, the front housing component 420 is attached to the rearhousing component 410 via mechanical fasteners, such as screws. Thelatch mechanism 232, the actuating mechanism 320, and the magneticelement 234 are disposed between the front housing component 420 and therear housing component 410. It will be appreciated that the actuatingmechanism 320 in FIG. 4 is shown with a piece that extends through aslot between the rear housing component 410 and the front housingcomponent 420 to allow for manual operation.

In some embodiments, the magnetic attachment mechanism 230 can include amagnetic shunt 430 disposed between the magnetic element 234 and therear housing component 410. The magnetic shunt 430 is formed from aferromagnetic material that helps shield a magnetic field generated bythe magnetic element 234 from external components proximate the oppositeside (not shown in FIG. 4) of the rear housing component 410.

In some embodiments, the magnetic attachment mechanism 230 also includesa pad 440 that helps to cushion contact between the magnetic attachmentmechanism 230 and the inner surface of the recess 214 of the housing 212(shown in FIG. 2). The pad 440 can be made of a material such as Delrin®or some other polymer material that has a low coefficient of friction toreduce wear between the magnetic attachment mechanism 230 and the rearsurface of the recess 214.

FIG. 5A illustrates an extended state of the latch mechanism 232, inaccordance with some embodiments. The movable components of the latchmechanism 232 are shown extended and protruding beyond an externalsurface of the housing 310 of the magnetic attachment mechanism 230. Inthe extended state, at least a portion of the movable components extendspast an external surface of the housing 310 of the magnetic attachmentmechanism 230 such that the movable components interface with a surfacefeature in the recess 214 of the housing 212 (shown in FIG. 2).

FIG. 5B illustrates a retracted state of the latch mechanism 232, inaccordance with some embodiments. The movable components of the latchmechanism 232 are shown retracted into the housing 310 of the magneticattachment mechanism 230 such that the movable components do not extendbeyond the external surface of the housing 310. In the retracted state,the movable components do not extend beyond the external surface of thehousing 310 such that the movable components are free of anyinterference with the surface feature in the recess 214 of the housing212 (shown in FIG. 2).

FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate a cross section of the magnetic attachmentmechanism 230 as inserted into the recess 214, in accordance with someembodiments. The recess 214 includes a recess formed in the housing 212of the display unit 210 (shown in FIG. 2). As depicted in FIG. 6A, themagnetic attachment mechanism 230 is in an extended state where themovable component of the latch mechanism 232 interfaces with a surfacefeature 610 formed in the recess 214 of the housing 212. In someembodiments, the surface feature 610 includes an overhanging protrusion.The overhanging protrusion is characterized by a diameter of the recess214 at the opening in the housing 212 that is less than a diameter ofthe recess 214 at a rear surface of the housing 212 at the bottom of therecess 214. The overhanging protrusion can also be referred to as aledge or an undercut region. It will be appreciated that the surfacefeature 610 can be formed in the housing 212 by a machining operation,such as a milling operation with a slot cutter tool. Alternatively, thesurface feature 610 can be formed by attaching a second component to aface of the housing 212. For example, a second component with an openingformed therein can be attached to the face of the housing 212 to formthe overhanging protrusion via the combination of the first componenthaving an opening of a first diameter disposed over the recess 214having a second diameter that is greater than the first diameter.

The pad 440 contacts or is otherwise substantially adjacent to a rearsurface of the recess 214. The pad 440 is attached to a front housingcomponent 420 attached to a rear housing component 410 via mechanicalfasteners (not explicitly shown in the cross-section of FIGS. 6A-6B). Itwill be appreciated that a cross section of the front housing component420 and the rear housing component 410 can be different at otherlocations of the magnetic attachment mechanism 230, such that the asurface of the front housing component 420 contacts a mating surface ofthe rear housing component 410, and that a threaded hole can be formedin the mating surface for attaching said components to form the housing310 (shown in FIG. 3) of the magnetic attachment mechanism 230.

The magnetic element 234 and the magnetic shunt 430 are disposed betweenthe front housing component 420 and the rear housing component 410. Themovable components of the latch mechanism 232 are similarly disposedbetween the front housing component 420 and the rear housing component410, with a protrusion of the movable component disposed in a slot ofthe actuating mechanism 320. The position of movable component of thelatch mechanism 232 can be controlled by a position of the slot in theactuating mechanism 320. Thus, a position of the slot in the actuatingmechanism 320 can determine whether the movable component of the latchmechanism 232 is extended under the overhanging protrusion of thesurface feature 610 formed in the recess 214. The interference betweenthe movable components of the latch mechanism 232 and the surfacefeature 610 can prevent the extraction of the magnetic attachmentmechanism 230 from the recess 214.

As depicted in FIG. 6B, the magnetic attachment mechanism 230 is in aretracted state where the movable component of the latch mechanism 232does not interfere with the surface feature 610 formed in the recess 214of the housing 212, thereby enabling the magnetic attachment mechanism230 to be extracted from the recess 214. Again, the position of movablecomponent of the latch mechanism 232 is controlled by a position of theslot in the actuating mechanism 320. Thus, a position of the slot in theactuating mechanism 320 can determine whether the movable component ofthe latch mechanism 232 is retracted into housing 310 of the magneticattachment mechanism 230, free of the overhanging protrusion of thesurface feature 610 formed in the recess 214.

In some embodiments, the actuating mechanism 320 can be characterized bytwo states, with the states based upon rotation of the actuatingmechanism 320 relative to the protrusion of the movable component of thelatch mechanism 232. A first state can be referred to as an unlockedstate, where the slots in the actuating mechanism 320 allows free motionof the movable components of the latch mechanism 232 between theextended state and the retracted state. A second state can be referredto as a locked state, where the slots in the actuating mechanism 320force the movable components of the latch mechanism 232 in the extendedstate. In other words, the slot in the actuating mechanism 320 can bewider in the unlocked state than in the locked state.

In such embodiments, the movable components of the latch mechanism 232can be biased towards the extended state. For example, springs can beincluded as a part of the latch mechanism 232 to force the movablecomponents away from a central axis of the magnetic attachment mechanism230. In such cases, with the actuating mechanism 320 in the unlockedstate, the insertion of the magnetic attachment mechanism 230 into therecess 214 while the movable components are in the extended state allowsthe movable components to move from the extended state to the retractedstate, compressing the springs, until the movable components are beyondthe surface feature 610. Once the movable components are beyond thesurface feature 610, the springs force the movable components to moveback into the extended state, thus locking the magnetic attachmentmechanism 230 in the recess 214.

FIG. 7 illustrates a biasing mechanism of the latch mechanism 232 (shownin FIG. 3), in accordance with some embodiments. As depicted in FIG. 7,a movable component 700 of the latch mechanism 232 includes a protrusion702 that is designed to interface with a slot of the actuating mechanism320 (such as the slot 322, shown in FIG. 3). The movable component 700of the latch mechanism 232 also includes slots, with each slot acceptinga biasing mechanism. For example, the movable component 700 includes aslot 704 that accepts a biasing mechanism 710. As shown in FIG. 7, thebiasing mechanism 710 is a spring. However, other mechanism with a forcedependent upon a spring constant and a distance/length (of the biasingmechanism) are possible. The biasing mechanism 710 can be disposedbetween a surface of the slot 704 and a surface of a protrusion 720. Theprotrusion 720 may attach to one of the front housing component 420 orthe rear housing component 410 of the housing 310 (shown in FIG. 4).

Although, the biasing mechanism 710 is shown to bias the movablecomponent 700 in the extended state, it will be appreciated that, insome embodiments, the biasing mechanism 710 can be configured to biasthe movable component 700 in the retracted state. In such embodiments,the latch mechanism 232 will not automatically engage with the surfacefeature 610 (shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B) in the recess 214 when themagnetic attachment mechanism 230 (shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B) is insertedinto the recess 214. Instead, the actuating mechanism 320 is utilized toforce the movable component 700 into the extended state after themagnetic attachment mechanism 230 is inserted into the recess 214. Itshould be noted that additional movable components of the latchmechanism 232 are designed to function in a manner similar to themovable component 700.

The various aspects, embodiments, implementations or features of thedescribed embodiments can be used separately or in any combination.Various aspects of the described embodiments can be implemented bysoftware, hardware or a combination of hardware and software. Thedescribed embodiments can also be embodied as computer readable code ona non-transitory computer readable medium. The non-transitory computerreadable medium is any data storage device that can store data which canthereafter be read by a computer system. Examples of the non-transitorycomputer readable medium include read-only memory, random-access memory,CD-ROMs, HDDs, DVDs, magnetic tape, and optical data storage devices.The non-transitory computer readable medium can also be distributed overnetwork-coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code isstored and executed in a distributed fashion.

The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specificnomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the describedembodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art thatthe specific details are not required in order to practice the describedembodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodimentsare presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the described embodiments to theprecise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill inthe art that many modifications and variations are possible in view ofthe above teachings.

What is claimed is:
 1. A magnetic attachment mechanism to secure adisplay unit to a stand, the magnetic attachment mechanism comprising: ahousing defining a central axis; a magnetic element attached to thehousing, the magnetic element including a magnet oriented collinear withthe central axis of the housing, the magnetic element capable ofmagnetically coupling with a corresponding magnetic element carried bythe display unit; a latch mechanism attached to the housing, the latchmechanism having a movable component configured to engage a surfacefeature defined by a recess of the display unit when the housing isinserted into the recess, the latch mechanism defining a protrusion; andan actuating mechanism coupled to the latch mechanism, the actuatingmechanism including a slot, wherein the protrusion is positioned in theslot and rotational movement of the actuating mechanism linearlydisplaces the protrusion and the movable component in a radial directionrelative to the central axis of the housing such that the latchmechanism engages the surface feature.
 2. The magnetic attachmentmechanism of claim 1, wherein the latch mechanism automatically locksthe housing to the display unit when the housing is fully inserted intothe recess.
 3. The magnetic attachment mechanism of claim 1, wherein: afirst position comprises the movable component extending beyond thehousing, and a second position comprises the movable component withinthe housing.
 4. The magnetic attachment mechanism of claim 3, furthercomprising a biasing mechanism that biases the movable component to thefirst position.
 5. The magnetic attachment mechanism of claim 4, whereinthe protrusion is a first protrusion and the biasing mechanismcomprises: a second protrusion; and a spring compressed between themovable component and the second protrusion.
 6. The magnetic attachmentmechanism of claim 4, wherein the surface feature defines an undercutregion, and wherein the movable component, in the first position whilethe magnetic attachment mechanism is inserted in the recess, extendsinto the undercut region.
 7. The magnetic attachment mechanism of claim3, wherein the protrusion moves relative to the slot during movement ofthe movable component moving from the first position to the secondposition.
 8. The magnetic attachment mechanism of claim 1, furthercomprising a motor configured to rotate the actuating mechanism.
 9. Themagnetic attachment mechanism of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises:a front housing component; and a rear housing component coupled with thefront housing component, wherein the front housing component and therear housing component at least partially surround the actuatingmechanism, the latch mechanism, and the magnetic element.
 10. A standfor a display unit that includes a housing with a recess herein, thestand comprising: a frame; a magnetic attachment mechanism coupled tothe frame and configured to be inserted into the recess, the magneticattachment mechanism comprising: a first housing component; a secondhousing component secured to the first housing component; a magnetdisposed between the first housing component and the second housingcomponent; and a latch mechanism disposed between the first housingcomponent and the second housing component, the latch mechanismcomprising: a plurality of movable components, each movable component ofthe plurality of movable components comprising a spring independentlybiasing a single movable component of the plurality of movablecomponents in a radially outward direction relative to an edge of thefirst housing component.
 11. The stand of claim 10, further comprising acam mechanism movable between a first position and a second positiondifferent from the first position, wherein each of the plurality ofmovable components is locked in an extended position when the cammechanism is in the first position.
 12. The stand of claim 11, whereineach of the plurality of movable components is free to move between theextended position and a retracted position when the cam mechanism is inthe second position.
 13. The stand of claim 12, wherein each of theplurality of movable components is retracted into the first housingcomponent in the retracted position.
 14. The stand of claim 10, whereinthe magnetic attachment mechanism further comprises a set of contacts tocouple a signal or a power supply from the stand to the display unit.15. A modular display system, comprising: a display unit; a housing thatcarries the display unit, the housing defining an internal volume and arecess; a magnetic element located in the internal volume and positionedalong a surface defined by the recess; a stand that supports thehousing; and a magnetic attachment mechanism secured to the stand, themagnetic attachment mechanism comprising: an attachment mechanismhousing; an actuating mechanism including a slot; a magnet carried bythe attachment mechanism housing, the magnet magnetically coupling withthe magnetic element when the magnetic attachment mechanism is insertedinto the recess; and a latch mechanism including a movable componenthaving a protrusion positioned in the slot, wherein rotational movementof the actuating mechanism linearly displaces the protrusion and themovable component in a radial direction relative to the central axis toengage the movable component with the housing.
 16. The modular displaysystem of claim 15, wherein the recess comprises a cylindrical recess,and wherein the attachment mechanism housing comprises a cylindricalhousing.
 17. The modular display system of claim 16, wherein the latchmechanism includes at least two movable components spaced around acylindrical surface defined by the cylindrical housing.
 18. The modulardisplay system of claim 15, wherein the actuating mechanism drives thelatch mechanism between a first position and a second position differentfrom the first position, wherein the actuating mechanism locks the latchmechanism in the first position.
 19. The modular display system of claim18, wherein a first movement of the protrusion along the radialdirection forces the slot in the first position, and wherein a secondmovement of the protrusion along the radial direction forces the slot inthe second position.